Lead Kubernetes Engineer

Outsource UK Limited; Frimley; On-site; GBP 97,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Outsource UK Limited is seeking a Lead Kubernetes Engineer to work on a 12-month engagement with BAE Systems in Frimley. You will own the end-to-end architecture for CI workloads running on Kubernetes, including workload isolation, networking, image build pipelines, and platform-level visibility.

The role requires senior engineering leadership and hands-on design of Kubernetes platforms, with proven experience integrating Kubernetes with CI/CD systems. On-site work 2–3 days per week is expected.

Qualifications

• Sole UK nationals required due to security clearances.
• Ability to operate at engineering leadership / architecture level.
• Strong experience designing Kubernetes platforms, not just operating them.
• Proven experience integrating Kubernetes with CI/CD systems.
• Experience with multi-team platform design and governance.

Responsibilities

• End to end architecture for CI workloads running on Kubernetes.
• Workload isolation, networking, and artifact flow design.
• Image build, scanning, and promotion architecture.
• Registry design and environment separation model.
• Logging, metrics and monitoring for CI workloads.
• Platform level visibility and alerting.
• Identification of candidate workload
• Phased adoption plan

Skills

UK Nationals

Engineering leadership

Kubernetes platform design

CI/CD integration

Multi-team governance

Job description

Client: BAE Systems

Job Title: Lead Kubernetes Engineer

Location: Frimley

Contract length: 12 months

Days on site: 2/3 days on-site per week

Rate: £50 PAYE or £67.47 Umbrella

Key Responsibilities

• End to end architecture for CI workloads running on Kubernetes
• Workload isolation, networking, and artifact flow design
• Image build, scanning, and promotion architecture
• Registry design and environment separation model
• Logging, metrics and monitoring for CI workloads
• Platform level visibility and alerting
• Identification of candidate workload
• Phased adoption plan

Skills & Qualifications

• Candidates must be sole UK nationals to be eligible due to the security requirements on this position.
• Ability to operate at engineering leadership / architecture level
• Strong experience designing Kubernetes platforms, not just operating them
• Proven experience integrating Kubernetes with CI/CD systems
• Experience with multi-team platform design and governance

Desirable Skills

• Experience with GitOps (e.g., ArgoCD, Flux)
• Experience with cloud-native build tooling (e.g., BuildKit, Kaniko)
• Familiarity with enterprise-scale engineering environments

About BAE: BAE Systems is a leading global defence, aerospace, and security company. They’re experts in delivering advanced solutions for air, land, and naval forces, as well as commercial aerospace and cyber security. Known for its commitment to innovation and excellence, BAE Systems offers exciting career opportunities for those looking to make a significant impact in cutting-edge technology and defence sectors.

Inclusion statement Outsource UK is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. You'll receive consideration for your application without regard to race, religion or belief, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age.